Water supply device of refrigerator

ABSTRACT

Provided is a water supply device of a refrigerator. The water supply device includes a dispenser housing, a removable water tank, a dispensing lever, and a valve unit. The dispenser housing is disposed at an opening of a refrigerator door. The removable water tank is disposed on a side of the dispenser housing. The dispensing lever is rotatably coupled to the refrigerator door and manipulated to supply water from the water tank. The valve unit communicates with outside air and is coupled to a side of the dispenser housing to receive the water tank and is adapted such that supply of the water is controlled by operation of the dispensing lever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a water supply device of a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART

Refrigerators are electric home appliances, which maintain their inner space at a lower temperature than outside temperature to store foods at low temperatures close to or below zero degrees Celsius for a long time.

Such a refrigerator includes a storage compartment, that is, a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. Various foods requiring refrigeration are stored in the refrigerator compartment.

The refrigerator further includes a refrigerator door selectively covering the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment. When the refrigerator door is opened, chilly air is discharged to the outside and high temperature outside air may be introduced into the refrigerator.

To address this issue, a refrigerator is recently developed and produced in which a front surface of a refrigerator door is provided with a dispenser to dispense water stored in a refrigerator compartment to the outside without using the refrigerator door. Also, water or ice can be conveniently taken out through the dispenser.

Water is supplied to the dispenser according to various methods.

A first method can be applied to the dispenser, by which an outside water supply source is connected to the refrigerator so as to supply water from the outside into the refrigerator, and the supplied water is introduced through a predetermined water-purifying system to the dispenser.

Alternatively, a second method can be applied, by which a separate water tank is provided to the dispenser to directly supply a desired drinking water. Here, the water tank is removably coupled to the refrigerator.

For a related art dispenser of a refrigerator, when a user fills a water tank with water or replaces the water tank with another one, a water tank used only for the refrigerator is coupled to the dispenser. Thus, when the water tank is required to be replaced with another one, the use of the dispenser is limited.

That is, since a user uses a water tank compatible only with the dispenser of the refrigerator, in a case where the water tank is damaged, the dispenser cannot be used until replacement or repair of the water tank is completed, so as to cause inconvenience to users.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Embodiments provide a water supply device of a refrigerator, which is adapted such that structure of a dispenser of the refrigerator is improved to easily replace a water container.

Embodiments also provide a water supply device of a refrigerator, to which water containers having various shapes are applied.

Technical Solution

In one embodiment, a water supply device of a refrigerator includes: a dispenser housing at an opening of a refrigerator door; a removable water tank on a side of the dispenser housing; a dispensing lever rotatably coupled to the refrigerator door and manipulated to supply water from the water tank; and a valve unit communicating with outside air and coupled to a side of the dispenser housing to receive the water tank and adapted such that supply of the water is controlled by operation of the dispensing lever.

In another embodiment, a water supply device of a refrigerator includes: a dispenser housing at an opening of a refrigerator door; a water tank on an upper side of the dispenser housing; a valve unit between the dispenser housing and the water tank, the valve unit storing water discharged from the water tank; and a dispensing lever rotatably coupled to the refrigerator door and manipulated to operate the valve unit, wherein the valve unit includes: an outer case provided with an air hole; and a power transmission part in the outer case, the power transmission part engaging with the dispensing lever.

In further another embodiment, a water supply device of a refrigerator includes: a dispenser housing at an opening of a refrigerator door; a water tank on an upper side of the dispenser housing; a valve unit between the dispenser housing and the water tank; a stair part in an upper portion of the valve unit, the stair part being configured to support the water tank; an air hole in the stair part, an inner portion of the valve unit communicating with outside air through the air hole; a valve housing in a lower portion of the valve unit, the valve housing being provided with a spring; and a power transmission part coupled to the spring and configured to selectively open the valve unit.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

According to the embodiments, various water containers including a PET bottle can be applied to a water supply device of a refrigerator, so as to improve accessibility to a dispenser.

Thus, when a water tank, used for the water supply device of the refrigerator, is required to be replaced with another one, the water tank can be easily replaced.

Also, a valve unit is provided with an air hole adapted to receive outside air, so that the atmospheric pressure is kept in the valve unit. Thus, water is easily dispensed from a water container coupled to the valve unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator including a dispenser according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating configuration of a dispenser provided to an inner surface of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating configuration of a dispenser according to an embodiment.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator 1 including a dispenser 30 according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating configuration of the dispenser 30 provided to an inner surface of a refrigerator door according to this embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 includes a main body 10 where foods are stored, and a freezer compartment door 11 and a refrigerator compartment door 12. The freezer compartment door 11 and the refrigerator compartment door 12 are rotatably provided to a front surface of the main body 10, and selectively open and close a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment, respectively.

Hereinafter, a side-by-side-type refrigerator, including a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment at left and right sides, will be exemplified. However, positions of a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment are not limited thereto, and a top-mount-type refrigerator in which a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment are vertically arranged, or a bottom freezer-type refrigerator in which a refrigerator compartment is disposed on a top side, and the freezer compartment is disposed on a bottom side may be provided according to other embodiments.

Particularly, the refrigerator compartment door 12 is provided with a home bar 13 allowing access to foods without opening the refrigerator compartment door 12. The home bar 13 includes a home bar door 14. Since the home bar door 14 selectively opens the home bar 13, the discharge of chilly air is minimized.

Also, the freezer compartment door 11 is provided with the dispenser 30 to dispense drinking water. The dispenser 30 is concaved reward from the freezer compartment door 11, and a lower portion of the dispenser device 30 may be provided with a cup (not shown) for receiving supplied water.

Particularly, the dispenser 30 includes a press part 38 operated to dispense water from the dispenser 30, and a drain container 39 configured to collect water discarded to the outside during operation of the dispenser 30. The drain container 39 is disposed on the lower portion of the dispenser 30.

The dispenser 30 may be coupled to an inner surface of the freezer compartment door 11. That is, an opening having penetrated front and rear portions may be provided to a portion of the freezer compartment door 11 to which the dispenser 30 is coupled, and the dispenser 30 may be coupled to the opening.

Referring to FIG. 2, the dispenser 30 may be coupled from the inner surface of the freezer compartment door 11.

The dispenser 30 includes a housing 31 defining the appearance of the dispenser 30 and storing components of the dispenser 30 therein.

An upper side of the housing 31 is coupled with a valve unit 40 configured to control the amount of water supplied from a water tank (that will be described later). The valve unit 40 may be integrally provided to the housing.

The water tank may be placed on an upper side of the valve unit 40. Inner configuration of the dispenser 30 will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Although the dispenser 30 is provided to the freezer compartment door 11 in the accompanying drawings, the dispenser 30 may be provided to the refrigerator compartment door 12.

A front surface of the freezer compartment door 11 may be provided with a display device 20 where operation state of the dispenser 30 is displayed. The display device 20 may include a display part where the operation state of the dispenser 30, and an operation part operated by a user.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close state of a valve according to this embodiment, and FIG. 4 illustrates the valve opened to supply water.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the dispenser 30 includes the press part 38, a dispensing lever 37, and the valve unit 40. A cup 50 may press the press part 38 when operating the press part 38 to receive water. The dispensing lever 37 is rotated about a hinge 36 by the operation of the press part 38. The valve unit 40 engages with the dispensing lever 37 to control the supply of water.

Particularly, the press part 38 is located at a recess that is recessed from the front surface of the freezer compartment door 11 toward an inner portion of the refrigerator 1. Thus, a user easily accesses the press part 38.

The dispensing lever 37 extends upward from the press part 38 and bends in a “L” shape in the freezer compartment door 11. A side of the dispensing lever 37 is provided with the hinge 36 functioning as a rotation center of the dispensing lever 37.

When the press part 38 is pressed, the dispensing lever 37 rotates counter clockwise about the hinge 36. Then, the pressing of the press part 38 is stopped, the dispensing lever 37 is restored to its original position. The hinge 36 is provided with a torsion spring proving a restoring force.

The valve unit 40 may be disposed above the dispensing lever 37 and inserted into the housing 31.

The upper side of the valve unit 40 may be provided with a first water tank 60 where water to be supplied is stored. The first water tank 60 is provided with an outlet 61 configured to discharge water of the first water tank 60. The first water tank 60 may be upside-down, so that the outlet 61 is disposed downward.

The valve unit 40 is provided with an outer case 45 disposed on a lower side of the first water tank 60 and defining the appearance of the valve unit 40.

Particularly, a water storage 48 is disposed in the outer case 45. Water supplied from the first water tank 60 is stored in the water storage 48.

An upper portion of the outer case 45 is provided a stair part 46 having several stairs to stably support the first water tank 60. Since the first water tank 60 is placed on and supported by the stair part 46, the stair part 46 may be referred to as a “seat” or “support”.

The first water tank 60 may be placed on the stair part 46, or be threaded to the stair part 46. In the case where the first water tank 60 is threaded to the stair part 46, the stair part 46 may have a thread (not shown).

The stair part 46 is provided with an air hole 44 allowing outside air to flow into the valve unit 40. Through the air hole 44, an inner pressure of the valve unit 40 is maintained at the atmospheric pressure.

When water falls from the first water tank 60 to the valve unit 40, air in the valve unit 40 may be introduced into the first water tank 60. It will be appreciated that the air in the valve unit 40 may be discharged to the outside through the air hole 44.

To sum up, the inner pressure of the first water tank 60 is decreased by the amount of water going out of the first water tank 60, and air in the valve unit 40 is introduced to the first water tank 60 by a pressure difference.

According to this process, water of the first water tank 60 is easily supplied to the valve unit 40.

Water tanks having various shapes may be applied to the first water tank 60. For example, the water tank having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or the water tank having a well-known PET bottle shape may be applied thereto.

Since the stair part 46 has the several stairs, an upper portion of the valve unit 40 has various diameters. Thus, one of water tanks having various shapes and sizes can be used as the first water tank 60 supported by the stair part 46.

At least one portion of the stair part 46 may be provided with an inclined part 46 a corresponding to a spout shape of the first water tank 60. The first water tank 60 having a PET bottle shape is easily supported by an upper side of the inclined part 46 a.

It will be appreciated that the shape of the inclined part 46 a varies according to the spout shape of the first water tank 60.

As described above, since one of water tanks having various shapes, particularly, a readily available PET bottle can be applied to the valve unit 40, the water tank is easily replaced if necessary.

A lower portion of the valve unit 40 is provided with a valve housing 43 coupling with the outer case 45. The valve housing 43 is provided with a coupling part 47 having a thread to the outer case 45. The coupling part 47 is coupled to an outside of the outer case 45.

The valve housing 43 is bent from the coupling part 47 and extends into the outer case 45.

Also, the valve housing 43 is provided with a discharge part 49 to discharge water stored in the water storage 48 out of the valve unit 40. At least one side of the valve housing 43 is opened to form the discharge part 49.

The valve housing 43 includes a power transmission part 41 therein. The power transmission part 41 contacts the dispensing lever 37 to receive an effort force of the dispensing lever 37. The power transmission part 41 is movable vertically.

Particularly, the power transmission part 41 includes a body 41 a disposed in the coupling part 47, a compression part 41 b selectively contacting the inside of the outer case 45, and a contact 41 c contacting the dispensing lever 37.

The body 41 a may be disposed vertically on the inside of the valve housing 43.

The compression part 41 b extends toward both sides from the body 41 a, and may be inclined to correspond to an inner surface of the outer case 45. The compression part 41 b passes through the discharge part 49 and extends out of the valve housing 43. The compression part 41 b may be integrally provided to the body 41 a.

In a state where the press part 38 is not pressed, the compression part 41 b is in close contact with the inside of the outer case 45. In this case, the discharge part 49 is closed to prevent water discharge. The compression part 41 b may be formed of a material having a predetermined elasticity, so that the compression part 41 b is in close contact with the outer case 45 easily.

In a state where the press part 38 is pressed, the compression part 41 b is spaced apart from the outer case 45. In this case, the discharge part 49 is opened to allow water in the water storage 48 to be discharged downward.

The contact 41 c protrudes downward from the body 41 a, and may be provided in plurality to easily transmit torque of the dispensing lever 37.

The power transmission part 41 may be provided with a spring 42 configured to elastically connect the power transmission part 41 to the valve housing 43.

Since the spring 42 is provided as an elastic member having a predetermined elastic force, the spring 42 is not limited to a spring, and any member having an elastic force can be applied thereto.

Thus, the power transmission part 41 is provided with a predetermined power, the power transmission part 41 moves upward. Accordingly, the compression part 41 b also moves upward so as to be spaced from the outer case 45.

When the predetermined power is removed, the elasticity force of the spring 42 restores the power transmission part 41 and the compression part 41 b to their original positions.

That is, since the compression part 41 b selectively closes the discharge part 49, the supply of water through the discharge part 49 is selectively performed by the compression part 41 b.

The freezer compartment door 11 is provided with an outlet part 35 so that water discharged from the discharge part 49 falls to the cup 50. That is, the water discharged from the discharge part 49 of the valve unit 40 falls to the cup 50 through the outlet part 35.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation of the dispenser 30 will now be described in the state where the first water tank 60 is coupled to the dispenser 30.

First, to receive water, the press part 38 is pressed using the cup 50. Then, the dispensing lever 37 rotates counter clockwise about the hinge 36. At least one portion of the dispensing lever 37 contacts the contact 41 c, and presses upward the power transmission part 41.

Then, the power transmission part 41 overcomes the elastic force of the spring 42 and moves upward. The compression part 41 b, integrally connected to the power transmission part 41, also moves upward, and the compression part 41 b is spaced apart from the inner surface of the outer case 45.

As a result, a space is formed between the compression part 41 b and the outer case 45, and water stored in the water storage 48 of the valve unit 40 is dropped downward through the space.

The dropped water is dispensed to the cup 50 through the discharge part 49 and the outlet part 35.

When a desired amount of water is received, and the pressing of the press part 38 is stopped, the dispensing lever 37 rotates clockwise about the hinge 36, simultaneously with restoring the press part 38 to its original position.

The elastic force of the spring 42 restores the power transmission part 41 to its original position. That is, the power transmission part 41 moves downward with the compression part 41 b moving downward, so that the power transmission part 41 contacts the inside of the outer case 45.

At this point, the discharge part 49 is closed and movement passage of the supplied water is closed, so that the water does not move downward any more and the supplying of water is stopped.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described according to another embodiment. Since this embodiment is the same as the previous one except for structure of a water tank 70 coupled to the valve unit 40, the reference numerals and the description of the previous embodiment will be used for the same parts.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating configuration of the dispenser 30 according to this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the upper portion of the valve unit 40 may be provided with the second water tank 70 having a shape corresponding to the stair part 46 of the valve unit 40.

The shape of the second water tank 70 is not limited to the illustrated one provided that a water tank has a corresponding shape to the stair part 46.

Thus, one of water tanks having various shapes, particularly, a readily available PET bottle can be used for the dispenser 30. Thus, the water tank is easily replaced, if necessary.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Since structure of a water supply device is improved to easily dispense water, various water containers can be used, and thus, the water container is conveniently replaced with another one. 

1. A water supply device of a refrigerator, comprising: a dispenser housing at an opening of a refrigerator door; a removable water tank on a side of the dispenser housing; a dispensing lever rotatably coupled to the refrigerator door and manipulated to supply water from the water tank; and a valve unit communicating with outside air and coupled to a side of the dispenser housing to receive the water tank and adapted such that supply of the water is controlled by operation of the dispensing lever.
 2. The water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the valve unit is fixed to an upper side of the dispenser housing, and the water tank is placed on or coupled to the valve unit.
 3. The water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the valve unit comprises: an outer case provided with a water storage; a movable power transmission part in the outer case, the power transmission part contacting the dispensing lever; and a compression part on at least one side of the power transmission part, the compression part selectively contacting the outer case.
 4. The water supply device according to claim 3, wherein the valve unit comprises an elastic member adapted such that the power transmission part elastically moves.
 5. The water supply device according to claim 3, wherein the outer case is provided with a stair part to which the placed water tank is supported or coupled.
 6. The water supply device according to claim 3, wherein the outer case is provided with an air hole through which an inner portion of the valve unit communicates with outside air.
 7. The water supply device according to claim 3, wherein the power transmission part is integrally provided with the compression part.
 8. The water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the water tank comprises a replaceable water container.
 9. The water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the water tank is provided with an outlet for discharging water, and the water tank is placed in a manner where the outlet is disposed downward.
 10. A water supply device of a refrigerator, comprising: a dispenser housing at an opening of a refrigerator door; a water tank on an upper side of the dispenser housing; a valve unit between the dispenser housing and the water tank, the valve unit storing water discharged from the water tank; and a dispensing lever rotatably coupled to the refrigerator door and manipulated to operate the valve unit, wherein the valve unit comprises: an outer case provided with an air hole; and a power transmission part in the outer case, the power transmission part engaging with the dispensing lever.
 11. The water supply device according to claim 10, wherein the valve unit further comprises a valve housing provided with a discharge part configured to discharge water.
 12. The water supply device according to claim 11, wherein the power transmission part comprises a compression part configured to selectively close the discharge part.
 13. The water supply device according to claim 12, wherein the power transmission part is disposed in the valve housing, and the compression part extends through the discharge part to an outside.
 14. The water supply device according to claim 10, wherein the valve housing is provided with a spring adapted such that the power transmission part elastically moves.
 15. The water supply device according to claim 10, wherein the power transmission part contacts an upper surface of the dispensing lever.
 16. A water supply device of a refrigerator, comprising: a dispenser housing at an opening of a refrigerator door; a water tank on an upper side of the dispenser housing; a valve unit between the dispenser housing and the water tank; a stair part in an upper portion of the valve unit, the stair part being configured to support the water tank; an air hole in the stair part, an inner portion of the valve unit communicating with outside air through the air hole; a valve housing in a lower portion of the valve unit, the valve housing being provided with a spring; and a power transmission part coupled to the spring and configured to selectively open the valve unit.
 17. The water supply device according to claim 16, wherein the valve unit is provided with a water storage configured to store water introduced from the water tank.
 18. The water supply device according to claim 16, wherein the valve unit comprises the valve housing coupled to the lower portion of the valve unit and extending into the valve unit.
 19. The water supply device according to claim 16, further comprising: a press part manipulated to discharge water; and a rotatable dispensing lever extending from the press part.
 20. The water supply device according to claim 19, wherein the power transmission part moves vertically while the dispensing lever rotates. 